Paper Stocks

There is significant confusion on what the difference is between the various types of papers and what that means for the end product, the piece of marketing collateral design that is printed on it. This list is not intended to be 100% technically accurate. It is designed to answer the common questions and reasons why people choose a particular paper option. Nothing more. If you are a printing purist and take issue with our descriptions feel free to send us a corrected version by email. If you would like the information on the specific technical specifications of a paper please email us. This list of the common papers used in our printing is listed with the pros and cons of printing on it.

9-11PT Cardstock

Depending on who you are talking with they will often refer to these cardstock numbers as 100lb gloss book or 100lb gloss cover. It is commonly used for generic business cards you will get with some contact information and a black and white logo. Printing is commonly on one side. No special treatments are used for the card.

Advantages

  • Dirt Cheap printing! (printing is rarely the biggest cost ironically for a print shop!)
  • Quick Turn around. Very simple to create a design on your own and get it printed.

Disadvantages

  • Durability for normal wear and tear is questionable.
  • Treatments not always available to bring out the full color of a photo or high quality graphic design.

14 PT Cardstock

Often referred to as heavy cardstock. Has also been referred to with a paperweight of 120LB+. It is the primary cardstock used for high quality folded business cards. In the heavy and super heavy card stock arena it is the primary choice until recently for small quantity printing. UV treatment comes with it. Price difference between 14 and 16PT cardstock is minimal.

Advantages

  • Great platform for high quality graphic designs.
  • Great platform for photo quality printing.
  • Exceptional durability for normal wear and tear.
  • Difficult to crease without destroying the card.
  • Standard cardstock for Folded Business Cards

Disadvantages

  • Costs more than 9-11PT cardstock
  • No significant cost difference with 16PT Cardstock

16 PT Cardstock

Often referred to as super heavy or premium cardstock.  Has also been referred to with a paperweight of 120LB+. It is the primary cardstock we use for real estate business cards and for business cards targeting affluent markets. UV treatment comes with it. Price difference between 14 and 16PT cardstock is minimal or non-existent in most cases. Often referred to as super heavy cardstock or premium cardstock, this is the thickest card stock normally printed on for business cards or postcards. It is the best platform for printing unique business cards and photo business cards.

Advantages

  • Best platform for high quality graphic designs.
  • Best  platform for photo quality printing.
  • Best durability for normal wear and tear.
  • Most difficult to crease without destroying the card.

Disadvantages

  • Costs more than 9-11PT card stock